Night fell, finally, and the last people on the omnibus maneuvered Kek!ooa's stretcher carefully into the carriage, then sent it up the hill. Three people stayed behind in order to keep loading the food stores into the carriage on the following trips, and Ktheg!lik organized half a dozen people in the base to unload the food and store it in the alien kitchen.

  Just as the last installment of cans was unloaded, Petra spoke.

  “Petra ask Ktheg!lik.”

  The words startled everyone in the workroom. Ktheg!lik held up a hand for quiet and asked, “What do you ask, Petra?”

  “Petra ask energy wells move from omnibus to base.”

  “Oh! Of course. Yes, Petra. Odaual, are you there?”

  “What is it, Ktheg?”

  “Petra is asking if you would pull out the energy wells and ship them up before you come up yourselves.”

  “That makes sense. Petra's been running on low power since we installed them. But we'll need them back if we're going to get the omnibus up the hill.”

  “Do we know how long repairs will take?”

  “...no. I get your point. Still, it's probably a good idea to leave one installed, so we can run tests on the engines.”

  “That works for me. Let me know when you're ready to send the rest up.”

  All the food, all the people, and all but one of the energy wells had finally arrived in the carriage house after two more trips. Ktheg!lik welcomed the last people to reach the carriage house, and carefully identified them to Petra. Then, it was time to settle in.

  * *

  The clothes washer and dryer saw nonstop use all night, as did the shower. Everyone was eager to be clean for the first time in several dozen days. Half of them made use of the pool, but others decided to postpone when they saw how crowded it was getting in there. I'm going to miss having the pool to myself, Ktheg!lik realized. Maybe, when we are truly well established and have surplus time and energy, I could get Petra to make a small private one just for me.

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  A moment later, she stopped and shook her head. How quickly we adjust our expectations when we gain wealth! I just went from “I hope I get enough to eat today” to “I want a private pool” in one eventful season.

  When everyone saw that the washer and dryer didn't destroy Geh!aoa's nestroll, all the nesting material got washed as well. People were excited to claim spaces in the underground complex, and to lay out their meager possessions. When mealtime arrived, portions were still small, but a bit better than they had been.

  We'll have to make food with all the makers for a while, I suppose. Once we have enough food for everyone to eat their fill regularly, we can think about starting other projects. Unless, of course, other factors force us to cope with them sooner.

  It was actually noisy in Petra's base, which was good, but made it hard for her to get to sleep. As temporary leader for the group, she claimed Nik!eh's room to give herself some privacy. Then, at last, she could rest.

  * *

  The peace didn't hold for long, of course.

  Ktheg!lik was woken the next day by the sounds of argument, almost a fight. She opened her ears with effort and rubbed her face. She breathed a long, drawn-out sigh. Reluctantly, she straightened her clothes, then pressed the button to open her door.

  The shouting was coming from the kitchen. “I don't see the problem. We have plenty of food now!”

  “No, we will have plenty of food, you blue vegetable! Right now, we still don't have enough! What is everyone else supposed to eat today?”

  Kenini is being an idiot again. Can I delegate dealing this to someone else? Sadly, a convenient enforcer was not standing by in the kitchen. She eyed the kitchen doorway, then clapped for attention and beckoned. Kenini and Fa!onala came into the hall and approached her, both trying to explain at once.

  “Petra, close the door to the kitchen.”

  “Yes, Ktheg!lik.” The stone door quietly slid into place.

  “Don't open it until I or Odaual say so.”

  “What!?”

  “Yes, Ktheg!lik.”

  “Kenini, you get one warning. If this happens again, you don't get food for a day.”

  “Are you serious? Who put you in charge?”

  “Nik!eh did. Pipe down, or I'll think up worse.” She glared at the fool. “Yesterday, all you had to do was ride. I had a long day organizing everyone, moving boxes, teaching people, figuring out how to phrase things for the golem, and dealing with squabbles like this one.

  “I'm going to the toilet now, and then back to my nest. It is in your best interest to let me sleep until I am less irritated. Have I made myself clear?” Both of them started to argue with her. “Have I made myself clear?” she repeated more loudly, cutting them both off. After a few seconds, she muttered, “Good.” Then, she turned and plodded into the toilet room.

  “Petra, when Odaual wakes, tell him what just happened.”

  “Yes, Ktheg!lik.”

  A moment later, she grew suspicious. “When he wakes, play the recording of what was said in the past two zegs.”

  “Yes, Ktheg!lik.”

  “And wait until he speaks first.”

  “Yes, Ktheg!lik.”

  She's probably still going to get it wrong, but I'm too tired to care. She went back to nest, putting off ealing with the problem until later.